South Tyneside Council chief executive stepping down after decade in top job

Martin Swales has served as the authority’s top officer for a decade and has helped to steer the borough through major changes over the years.

He is also the UK president of Solace, the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, representing the sector across all areas of local government.

On Wednesday (September 30), Mr Swales announced he would be parting ways with South Tyneside Council, describing his time as chief executive as a “great honour.”

“I want to express my heartfelt and sincere thanks to our incredible team of elected members, staff, family of schools and many local and regional partners,” he said.

“We have developed a high performing council with many outstanding services to care for the health and wellbeing of the people of South Tyneside.

“We have driven regeneration and improvement of towns, homes and communities for residents, against a backdrop of significant financial challenges.

“On behalf of the council, I have also been privileged to represent the wider region.This has included working directly with national Government on Brexit, Covid-19 and other new emerging policies.

“It has also involved working as an advisor to the board of Newcastle Airport and as head of paid service for the North East Combined Authority.”

He added: “I wish the council every success for the future. I am now looking forward to spending more time with my family and supporting my colleagues nationally through Solace UK.”

Leader of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Iain Malcolm, said: “We would like to express the council’s sincere thanks to Martin for his ten years of dedicated service during which time the council has much to be proud of.

“We wish him every success for the future.”

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